A penitration probe checks the internal temperature of foods by

• A. Checks surface temperature
• B. Monitors air temperature around the food
• C. Measures external crust temperature
• D. Inserting into the thickest part of the food

Answer: (D)

Determining doneness and safety relies on the inner temperature of the food. A penetration probe does this by inserting into the thickest part of the food to reach the center, where heat is slowest to rise. Measuring the center ensures the entire item has reached the minimum internal temperature required to kill pathogens, which surface temperature or ambient air around the food cannot reliably indicate. In practice, push the probe into the thickest portion (often the center) and away from bone or fat, wait for the reading to stabilize, and then use that temperature to judge doneness.